Lethal Exposure (4 page)

JULIE WAS SO NERVOUS she could scarcely breathe. She hadn’t been on a date since she’d sent Roger packing.

It’s not a date, she told herself. It’s an interview in a public place. There will be lots of people around.

Moistening her lips to quell her nervousness, Julie sat in her white Honda Civic outside the Sushi Palace a half mile from Confidential Rejuvenations. She was early. It was only eleven-forty but she’d been too keyed up to stay at home.

Her shift started at two-thirty and she had her scrubs folded in the backseat, along with her pink nursing clogs and a pink stethoscope. It would have been more convenient to meet him already dressed in her scrub uniform, but Julie wanted Sebastian to see what she looked like in street clothes.

She’d spent almost an hour getting ready. The entire time, she’d kept asking herself whether Sebastian Black was really the rebound guy she wanted after Roger. Or, if she was being honest with herself, could she admit he was really too much for her to handle?

That was the question she was here to answer.

After a phone consultation with Vanessa and Elle, she’d dressed sexily, but not too vampish, considering it was a luncheon date. Straight-legged black slacks, black zippered fashion boots with three-inch heels to give her five-foot-three stature a boost and a pink-and-white-striped angora sweater. She used her curling iron on her hair and it hung low down her back in soft, feminine ringlets.

This was exactly what she needed—a temporary tryst with a man who knew his way around a woman’s body. A man who could take the lead and teach her what she needed to know.

That was her secret. When it came to sex, she really didn’t know what she was doing. Failing her qualifying exam to become a sex therapist was proof enough of her inadequacies.

Before Roger, she’d had only one other lover—her college biology professor, Phillip Gregory. She’d given him her virginity and he’d given her an A-plus for the semester and then he’d dumped her. Phillip had broken her nineteen-year-old heart and damaged her self-esteem, but she’d never stopped looking for love.

Now, she was almost thirty years old and she could count on both hands the number of times she’d had sex. Three times with Phillip. Seven times with Roger.

Pathetic.

It was this damned starry-eyed romanticism instilled in her by her mother. The promise of happily-ever-after. The dream of the one perfect guy who made your life complete. Her mother had believed it and look where it had gotten her. Married to her soul mate, but then widowed at fifty-four with a teenage daughter to raise.

Julie had to ask herself if that’s why she’d been attracted to both Roger and Phillip. Had she simply been searching for a father figure? Her dad had died when she was fourteen. Had her lovers represented the masculine guidance she’d lost and longed for?

What a cliché.

Julie peered at herself in the rearview mirror and was startled to see how sexy she looked. Her curls had defied the curling iron and resorted to their usual wild tumble, giving her a just-rolled-out-of-bed appearance. Suddenly, her lipstick seemed too red, her mascara too thickly applied, the V-neck of her sweater revealing too much cleavage.

Well, that was the point, wasn’t it? To start something with Sebastian Black. Learn a few tricks. Push her sexual boundaries with a no-strings-attached affair? Get past the number Roger and Phillip had done on her self-confidence. Become more accomplished at lovemaking so she didn’t get so embarrassed in therapy sessions when the patients revealed their colorful romantic escapades.

Nervously, she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. What was she doing here? What made her think Sebastian Black could cure her romanticism?

A zippy red sports car pulled into the parking lot and she knew before she ever saw his face that Sebastian was behind the wheel. He killed the engine and hopped from the low-slung German-engineered automobile looking as if he’d stepped off the cover of People magazine. Tall, broad shouldered, lean hipped. Sexy as hell.

You’re in over your head. This guy will eat you alive.

It was, she had to admit, a very delicious thought.

Sebastian clutched a black leather briefcase in his hand and he headed for the door of the restaurant with purposeful, ground-chewing strides. He wore a tailor-made gray business suit with a lavender shirt and an avant-garde grape-and-gold tie. Not many men could pull off lavender, but on him, it was a power color, accenting his tanned skin and dark, intelligent eyes. Modern young executive on the go.

He was exquisite.

And he was everything she’d trained herself not to want. Handsome beyond belief. Smooth as silk. The kind of guy you just knew would take your breath away and leave you gasping for oxygen. She’d always gone for substance over style. For older steady men who promised security.

Yeah. And look where that got you.

It was all she could do to keep from starting her car, driving away and thanking her lucky stars she’d escaped unscathed.

But despite her alarm, something pushed her forward. Her craving for knowledge and sexual experimentation was stronger than her fear of getting hurt. She could do this. She could seduce him, enjoy him and keep the relationship strictly casual. He was only in town for a short time. He was perfect.

She put her hand on the door handle, opened it and stepped out into the parking lot. Sebastian had already gone inside. Determined, she headed into the restaurant.

The hostess, a pretty, dark-haired woman in a red kimono with green dragons imprinted into the silk fabric, greeted her in the foyer. “One for lunch?”

“Actually,” she said, “I’m meeting someone.”

Just then, Sebastian walked up behind the hostess. He’d been watching for her. His grin widened as if he’d just won the Powerball lottery. The eager expression on his face went a long way toward bolstering her courage and tamping down her fear.

He made a low noise of masculine appreciation as he came closer. “Wow, check you out.”

Slowly, he raked his gaze from the top of her head, down the low-cut V of her angora sweater, to the snug-fitting, straight-legged slacks to her high-heeled black stiletto boots and back again. The look was so intense, Julie gulped and folded her fingernails into her palms to steady her nerves.

An electrical charge passed between them. A silent understanding. His dark eyes smoldered with a sexuality that stole her breath.

He was unfairly handsome. No guy should look so good. It was annoying that every female in the place was darting surreptitious glances in his direction.

To his credit, his focus was only on her. He made her feel special and that made her suspicious. Why was he trying so hard?

Julie inhaled sharply, desperate for air.

Sebastian extended his hand.

The moment their palms touched the hostess disappeared. The restaurant ceased to exist. Time evaporated. She was aware of nothing except Sebastian. No man had ever looked at her in quite that way before.

Oh, he’s good.

He was very, very good at making her feel special. Julie told herself it was his job. He was a PR expert. It wasn’t personal. She would not let it go to her head.

Old habits died hard. She was a natural-born romantic and going against her tendencies would not come easy.

He dropped her hand at last and the spell was broken.

She inhaled raggedly, her gaze still welded to his. Every hair on his head was in place. He wore his tailored suit as if it was an extension of his body. He had the most gorgeous mouth. Full, but not too big. She licked her own lips.

“You ready to get down to business?”

She blinked. “Huh?”

“The interview?”

“Oh, yes. Absolutely.” She tapped her forehead. “Anything you need.”

“Anything?” He grinned rakishly and his gaze took another trip over the length of her body.

Don’t blush, don’t blush.

Too late. Her cheeks heated.

Terrific. She was blushing. Giving herself away. Why did she have to be so fair? Why couldn’t she have taken after her father’s side of the family, with his Italian heritage, instead of her Swedish mother?

“Our table is this way.” With a proprietary touch that both excited and bothered her, he took her elbow and guided her to the back of the restaurant.

Her heart rate soared as she caught a whiff of his scent. He smelled of cool sage and a startling twist of hot nutmeg. She had an urge to nibble the flesh of his earlobe and see if he tasted as good as he smelled.

A physical reaction ignited inside her. It was as if all her glands—pineal, adrenal, pituitary, parotid—were functioning overtime, all secreting at maximum capacity. Saliva filled her mouth. Epinephrine sped through her bloodstream. Heat suffused her pelvis. She was a walking chemistry lab.

The sudden desire unsettled her. This wicked lick of unexpected sensory pleasure.

There were no other diners in their immediate area. A nosegay of purple and peach orchids rested in the center of the table and she was surprised to see a card beside the flowers with her name on them.

“The flowers are for me?”

“To thank you,” he said. “For agreeing to let me interview you. Go ahead. Open the card.”

Her fingers were damp against the matte finish of the envelope. She slipped the note out.

To ensure you never confuse me with anyone else again,

Sebastian.

She didn’t have the courage to look at him directly. “The flowers weren’t necessary.”

“You don’t like them.”

“I’m overwhelmed. How did you know they’re my favorite flowers and my favorite colors?”

“I asked around.”

The fact he’d taken the time to ask around about her was flattering. “Th-thank you,” she stammered.

“You’re welcome.” He pulled her chair out for her. His warm breath feathered the hairs along the nape of her neck. She tried not to be impressed with his courtly manners. He knew all the tricks to set a woman’s heart pattering.

Careful.

Her self-esteem couldn’t survive another mistake courtesy of the male species.

He stepped away and sat down in the chair next to her.

To distract herself she unfurled the white linen napkin that was wrapped around her silverware and settled it into her lap. Julie observed him through lowered lashes, shyly issuing him a provocative invitation with her eyes. She wasn’t much good at flirting and she hoped she was pulling this off.

He angled his head. The way he looked at her made her feel so beautiful. She wasn’t accustomed to so easily capturing a man’s rapt attention. Especially a man like him.

She had the oddest sensation that if she didn’t look away now, she would forever be melded to him. She cleared her throat, smoothed her napkin in her lap. “Fire when ready.”

“Pardon.”

“Your questions. The interview.”

“Right, the interview.” Sebastian shifted, leaned closer. His smile was so damned distracting. “How long have you worked at Confidential Rejuvenations?”

“It’s the only job I’ve ever had. I started right out of nursing school. My friend Elle told me they had openings.”

“And you’ve always worked on the sexual dysfunction unit?”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I started there only a few months ago. Before that, I worked in newborn nursery.”

“Why the switch?”

She wasn’t about to tell him she’d changed positions because she felt the need to overcome her lack of sexual sophistication. She was embarrassed enough as it was. She could still remember Roger teasing her because she hadn’t known how to give a blow job.

“I get the impression the specialty isn’t a good fit for you.”

“Why do you say that?” she asked, feeling irritated.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I bet there’s a lot of dark and kinky things that get revealed on a unit specializing in sexual dysfunction and you seem like such a sweet and wholesome woman.”

“Well, I’m not,” she snapped.

He had a smart-ass look on his face that said sure you’re not.

“And even if I were sweet and wholesome, which I’m not, don’t you think that people having a sexual crisis need someone to look up to? Someone who can act as a role model?”

“They need someone who’s been there. Someone who understands what they’re going through. Someone who knows what it’s like to be swept away by temptations they can’t control,” Sebastian said.

He was right and she knew it. Damn him.

“I understand,” she lied.

“Yeah?”

She raised her chin. “Yes.”

“So you wouldn’t be upset if I did this?”

Julie started to ask what he meant, but she didn’t get any further than “Did wh—” before Sebastian’s mouth closed over hers.

Damn if she didn’t taste as good as she looked.

And she surprised him by eagerly kissing him back. That wasn’t all. The desperate hunger shooting through his body shocked him as well. He was attracted to her, yes. But he’d never felt anything quite like this.

What did it mean?

He almost pulled away. Almost stopped the kiss right then and there.

But she was having none of it. Her arms went around his neck. Her lips parted and her sweet, warm tongue came out to play. To tell the truth, she freaked him out a little.

She caught him off guard. He had not pegged her as being sexually responsive, especially in a public place. But he, of all people, should know that you couldn’t judge what was inside a package from the pretty wrapping paper.

He cupped her head in the palms of his hands, pushed his fingers through her hair and fisted them. She didn’t flinch at his roughness. He wasn’t usually rough, but she brought out the animal in him.

He fell into her rhythm. Just tumbled. He kissed her so hard he could taste her on the back of his throat. She met his demanding kiss, slipping her tongue as far into his mouth as it would go. She kissed him as if she knew all his secrets, all his flaws, all his missteps, and she liked him anyway.

The knowledge floored him.

God, but she was one hell of a woman. He breathed her in. She smelled of vanilla-scented soap and bright autumn sunshine. Sweet, yet as vibrant as the change of seasons.

Her attractiveness went much deeper than surface allure. Sure she was pretty but it wasn’t what captivated him. He was equally attracted to her odd mix of shyness and sass. Her unexpected daring coupled with that cute little blush snatched up his imagination and refused to let go. Her charm was genuine, seeded within her flesh, her bones, her very breath.

She was fresh and surprising and interesting. And he couldn’t stop wanting to run his hands over ever inch of her body. He couldn’t stop tasting the richness of her sweet, potent mouth. Couldn’t stop his cock from turning to granite.

Then abruptly, she broke off the kiss, slumped back in her chair. Her eyes were wide and she was breathing heavily.

Everyone in the restaurant was staring at them. He supposed they must have caused quite a spectacle with their kiss. He hesitated a moment, not knowing what to do. Julie gazed up at him as if he was some kind of chest-thumping caveman.

“I apologize,” he heard himself mumble. “I crossed the line.”

She kept studying him as if he was a complex jigsaw puzzle.

“I shouldn’t have acted on my instincts. I wanted to kiss you, so I did, but that was inconsiderate, rude.”

“Sometimes we can’t help acting on instinct.” She reached out and touched his arm.

“I don’t want to do anything to chase you off.”

She smiled slyly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

He swallowed. “I’m not usually that aggressive.”

“No?”

“There’s something about you that stirs me,” he tried to explain.

Sebastian’s words were a trigger, tripping something inside Julie. Passion filled this man. It radiated off him like summer heat. Her heart did a free fall.

“I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours wondering what you tasted like,” he said. “I just had to find out.”

“Did I live up to your expectations?”

“You blew them out of the water,” he said and kissed her again.

Ditto, she thought, and closed her eyes.

Julie inhaled him, unwrapping his taste layer by layer. There was cinnamon, hot and spicy. He tasted sharp and clean and adventuresome. He knew exactly what he was doing to her. His tongue teased, sending tingles ricocheting around in her mouth, transporting her to an exotic fantasy realm. He kissed with the power and authority born of long practice and she grew jealous of all the other women who’d gotten to kiss him before her. And, she was jealous of all the things she’d missed out on simply because she’d been too afraid to take a chance.

“Excuse me, would you like to order now?” the waitress interrupted.

Grinning, Sebastian’s lips slowly left hers. He ordered without even looking at the menu.

Julie’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes were dark and commanding and serious and she allowed herself to get lost in them. She had the urge to reach out and brush a finger across the tips of his dark lashes.

“Wow,” she said. “That was some kiss.”

“Some kiss,” he echoed.

They sat staring at each other, neither moving nor saying a thing, simply watching and assessing until a few minutes later the waitress brought their food.

Sebastian took his chopsticks and adroitly picked up a small sushi roll and extended it across the table toward her. “Open your mouth.”

“Does it taste fishy?”

“You’ve never eaten sushi before?”

“No.”

He angled his head closer. “Why didn’t you tell me? We could have gone somewhere else.”

Julie pushed her tongue against the inside of her cheek. “I didn’t want to seem unsophisticated. You’re so suave and debonair, Mr. Beverly Hills.”

He chuckled. “If you only knew.”

She leaned forward. “Knew what?”

“Where I came from.”

“Oh?”

He shook his head. “That’s a story for another time.”

Feeling disappointed that he wasn’t going to confide in her, Julie sat back in her chair.

“Good thing I ordered a sampler platter. We have a variety to choose from. Since you’re a sushi virgin, close your eyes.”

“Huh?”

“Close your eyes.”

“What for?”

“Epicurean delight.”

She felt giggly and the odd feeling unsettled her. The things he could do to her with a simple look was beyond shocking. A strange thrill-chill chased down her spine. Slowly she lowered her lashes, and tentatively put out her tongue.

The second her eyes were closed, she was wishing she hadn’t decided to play his game. At least with her eyes open she could see what was coming at her. She tilted her chin up and opened her eyes a slit.

“Nuh-uh, no peeking.”

The sushi roll was cool on her tongue and surprisingly delicious. Ginger was the dominant flavor, interlaced with sesame and the earthiness of oyster sauce.

“Mmm,” she said, opening her eyes after she’d swallowed. “What’s that?”

“It’s called Sweet as Sex roll.”

She laughed. “You made that up.”

“I never joke when it comes to food or sex.” He poked a second tidbit with the red-and-black lacquered chopsticks, held it out to her with his palm cupped underneath to catch any drips. “Have another.”

His fingertips grazed her chin as she leaned forward to take the bite from his chopsticks. His eyes lit up as he watched her eat. His enjoyment of her pleasure made her knees go weak.

She dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “Exactly what are we doing here, Mr. Black?”

“Call me Sebastian, and we’re having lunch.”

“You said you invited me out to talk about Confidential Rejuvenations, but I’m getting the feeling you had ulterior motives. Is this a date?”

“Do you want it to be a date?”

Did she? “No.”

“Then it’s not a date.”

“We’re strictly here to discuss how I can help you polish Confidential Rejuvenations’ image.”

Briefly, Sebastian reached up to touch his lips. “After a kiss like that? Sweetheart, you gotta know there’s more than just business on my mind.”

His honesty clipped her low in the gut. Julie didn’t know how to respond. She picked up her own chopsticks and reached for another morsel of sushi to camouflage her indecision.

“Let’s keep the conversation on the hospital for now,” she said, even though that wasn’t what she wanted to talk about. She was too scared to say what she really wanted to discuss.

“All right.” He sipped his tea. “So what is your opinion of what’s been happening at Confidential Rejuvenations?”

“Personally, I think it’s not going to do any good spending money on cleaning up the hospital’s reputation as long as there’s still someone on the loose wanting to cause damage.”

“Dr. Butler and Dr. Covey and Senator Garcia seem to think the person has stopped.”

“I think he or she’s laying low in the aftermath of the latest scandal over Senator Garcia’s daughter trying to kill Tanner.”

“What makes you say that?”

Julie shrugged. “A hunch.”

“Do you have any ideas on why someone is trying to destroy the hospital’s reputation?”

“I suppose it could be a disgruntled ex-employee. Someone who thought they were unfairly dismissed. Or a patient who felt they didn’t receive the kind of care they believed they deserved.”

Sebastian nodded. “Interesting possibilities.”

“Do you have a theory?”

“Me?” He shrugged. “I just got here. I’m simply taking in the lay of the land. That’s the reason I’m interviewing Confidential Rejuvenations’ employees.”

Was it her imagination? Or was there something suggestive about the way he said lay. Julie peered at him over the rim of her cup of green tea. “How long are you in town?”

“Until Confidential Rejuvenations’ image is cleaned up.”

“How long will that take? A week? Two?”

“Maybe a month. Lots of damage control needed on this one.”

A month. That was absolutely perfect. Long enough to have a nice, sexual fling, but not so long that she’d fall for him. But how to go about propositioning him? Julie licked her lips.

“You look pensive,” he said. “Is there something on your mind?”

“I was thinking about that kiss….”

“So was I.” A smile curled his lips.

Julie was nervous about bringing it up, but she wanted him. Not simply because she was looking to spread her sexual wings and not just because she wanted to vanquish Roger.

What she felt was much stronger than either of those motivations. She wanted to feel his hand on her naked thigh. Experience his fingers gently exploring her sex. She longed to know what it would feel like to have his body inside of hers. Looking at him, she was even more convinced he was the antidote she needed.

“I want something else from you,” she dared.

That snagged his attention. Sebastian sat up straighter. It was as if he’d just been waiting for her to ask. “What do you need?”

Gulping, Julie forced out the words. “I’ve heard…um…that you’re something of…”

“Yes?”

She wriggled in her chair. “An expert lover.”

“Where’d you hear that?”

“Your reputation precedes you.”

“Ah.” One eyebrow arched up on his forehead.

“Is it true?”

“I don’t like to brag.”

“Is it true?”

His grin widened. “You tell me. I make love like I kiss.”

Whew! If that was true she was in for a lot of fun.

“I’ve also heard you play the field. That you’re not a one-woman man.”

“I am a confirmed bachelor.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

“I’m not looking for anything more than a good time.”

“No?” He looked like he didn’t believe her.

“No.”

“Let me get this straight. Are you propositioning me?”

Don’t blush. You can see this through. “I am.”

“Hmm.” Sebastian seemed both amused and surprised.

“There’s one catch, though.”

“What’s that?”

Bravely, she tilted her chin and asked for what she needed. “Sex is all that I want from you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m attracted to you, you’re attracted to me. Neither one of us wants a commitment. Think about it as mutual pleasure-giving. I please you, you please me. We have fun. You go home with fond memories of Austin. I stay here with fond memories of you. It’s a win-win situation.”

“You wanna be fuck buddies?”

“I wouldn’t word it quite that way, but yes.”

Suspicion darkened his eyes. “Is this some kind of test? Did Blanche put you up to this? Or was it Linc?”

“Who’s Blanche? Who’s Linc?”

“Never mind. You’re really serious?”

“You have no idea how much courage it took for me to lay my cards on the table. I’ve never propositioned a man before.”

“I applaud your courage.”

“So you’re in?”

Sebastian held her gaze for a measured moment and then he said, “No.”

She blinked. “No?”

It had never occurred to Julie that he would turn her down. They had chemistry. He couldn’t deny that. You could start a forest fire with the sparks shooting between them. And he had a reputation as a footloose ladies’ man. So why was he turning her down for a torrid meaningless affair?